NASHUA — Many restaurants will be opening their doors to an estimated 800 patrons for this week's Taste of Downtown event, serving up everything from pizza to lobster sliders.

The 18th annual Taste of Downtown, hosted by Nashua's Great American Downtown, allows ticket-holders to visit any participating restaurant or retail shop to try fine foods and shop at discounted rates.

The event will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at about 25 restaurants and shops along Main Street and surrounding roads.

“The Taste of Downtown provides a unique opportunity to sample the culinary offerings of downtown's best restaurants from inside fabulous downtown retail locations,” said Rebecca Dixon, executive director of Great American Downtown. “We are really excited about this. There is going to be a lot of variety of food offered.”

Fine restaurants such as Surf, Stella Blu and MT's Local Kitchen and Wine Bar will be participating, along with other Nashua favorites including O'Brien's Sports Bar, Fody's Great American Tavern, The Peddler's Daughter, The Sausage King and a newcomer this year, Portland Pie Co.

Last year, one of the crowd favorites was lobster sliders served at Saffron Bistro, according to Dixon, who said although the vendors try to keep their menu items for Wednesday top secret, they are sure to be delicious.

“A lot of people will plan their itinerary before they arrive, choosing where they will go in advance to ensure they don't miss anything special,” said Dixon.

Several restaurants will be offering cocktail hour specials and night cap discounts, with beer tasting courtesy of Bellavance Beverage Co. at select downtown locations.

Tickets are still available for the Taste of Downtown event, a family-oriented festival complete with sidewalk musicians and some of the finest cuisine in southern New Hampshire, she said.

“With our unique collection of downtown restaurants, the event is an evening to savor,” Dixon added.

Four entertainers will be on hand, including soft-rock cover bands and jazz/swing performers. A Budweiser Clydesdale will also make an appearance, weather permitting.

Tickets are available for $30 a person until Tuesday, and can be purchased at select downtown stores such as Fortin Gage, Fresh of Nashua, Scontsas Fine Jewelry, beckonings, Bippity Boppity Baby and Clocktower Place Apartments.

On the day of the event, Wednesday, tickets will be $35 and available at Persona Boutique, 122 Main St., which is serving as the event headquarters. After purchasing a ticket, patrons can stroll Main Street and visit participating dining locations and shops while trying different foods from Crosby Bakery, Margaritas, Martha's Exchange, McKenzie's, Lovin' Cupcakes & Cannolies, Old Amsterdam Bar & Lounge and more.

For more information or a complete list of participating venues, visit www.downtownnashua.org, or call 883-5700.